Three terrorists were neutralised after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Akhal area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Special Operations Group (SOG), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and the CRPF. 

This is the second consecutive encounter in the Akhal area of Kulgam district, following a similar operation that took place on Friday.

“Encounter has started at Akhal area of the district Kulgam. SOG, J-K Police, Army and CRPF on job,” Kashmir Zone police said on Friday. 

On July 30, security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, resulting in the killing of two terrorists attempting to infiltrate in Jammu region.

Just days earlier, on July 28, the Indian Army, in a joint operation named ‘Mahadev’ with the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police, neutralised three terrorists involved in the deadly April 22 terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives.

The families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Syeed Sabzar Shah, cousin of the deceased Adil Hussain, hailed the Army’s efforts and recalled Hussain’s bravery during the attack.
“We felt very proud that our brother did such a brave deed. If he wanted, he could have run away and saved his life, but till the end, he stood there and saved the lives of the tourists. He did not see any caste or religion; he showed humanity,” Sabzar told ANI.

Expressing his thanks to the Army, he added, “We are very proud of the Indian Army, as the three terrorists were killed yesterday. They did not retreat until they took full revenge.”